'Ultimate game changer': Graham endorses Trump's Kharg Island capture plan
WASHINGTON, DC: The tension between the US and Iran has escalated further after President Donald Trump on Tuesday, June 9, confirmed that a US Army helicopter was shot down by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz.
As the conflict flared up again, Trump, on Thursday, said that Iran was going to be hit hard and indicated that the US might be planning to seize the critical Kharg Island.
Following the announcement, Senator Lindsey Graham endorsed the decision to capture the key oil processing infrastructure, arguing that it would amplify the impact of the US attack on Tehran.
If there is no deal soon Mr. President, you are right to put on the table the taking of Kharg Island.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 11, 2026
I very much appreciate @POTUS and his team going the extra mile to obtain a diplomatic solution to the Iranian conflict.
It is apparent to me that the regime is not a reliable… https://t.co/CcX5Woz4mg
Lindsey Graham cheers Kharg Island capture
Writing a post on social media on Thursday, Lindsey Graham threw his support behind Trump’s plan to take control of the island, writing, "President Trump’s announcement today that it may be time to take Kharg Island is welcome news and would be the ultimate game changer."
“The combination of continuing to force the Strait open and at the same time controlling Kharg Island’s operations by force or blockade would be the most consequential move President Trump could make, regaining the dominance and leverage America needs to end this conflict on favorable terms,” the South Carolina senator continued.
Trump threatened seizure of Iran's oil infrastructure
Earlier on Thursday morning, Trump also announced that the US would be taking on Iran’s oil infrastructure, along with Kharg Island, similar to what it had done with Venezuela.
“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defense, together with most its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT. At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other… pic.twitter.com/RPeL3khVrr
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) June 11, 2026
"Much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America,” Trump added.
He told Fox News later that the US military will launch a “bigger, more powerful” attack than the day before, when he said the US “dropped $250 million worth of bombs” on the country.
“They’re really in submission. They just don’t know it yet,” the president told the outlet.
What is Kharg Island
Kharg Island is a critical resource for Iran’s oil export, handling over 90% of its crude oil, both for processing and export.
Located roughly 15 nautical miles off Iran's coast in the northern Persian Gulf, the island is surrounded by deep waters, which allow the docking of large crude carriers.
The coral island reportedly pumps millions of barrels of oil a day from major Iranian mainland fields to global markets (primarily China).
